The absorbency of a nappy is dependent upon two things - the quality of the fabric and the fit on your baby. Getting the best quality you can afford, and the best fit on your baby, will ensure that you don't become disillusioned with cloth nappies from the ofset. All nappies can have increased absorbency by using a booster, but this can make the nappy bulky.

Cloth nappies, broadly speaking, come in two forms: either all-in-one (AIO), or two-parts. AIO's have the waterproof outer wrap incorporated so there's only one 'thing' to put on. Two-part systems have a separate wrap.

The exception to the rule is pocket nappies. These have an inner and the wrap sewn together on 3 sides, leaving the 4th open. You then stuff the nappy with whatever absorbent material you like best. This has the advantage of being like an AIO because once they're stuffed there is only one thing to put on, but they have the advantage of drying much more quickly than AIO's.

Nappies can be flat or shaped. AIO's and many two-part systems are shaped. The flat nappies are old-fashioned Terry or muslin squares, or pre-folds. These all need folding to some extent.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the different types:

  • AIO's tend to take longer to dry, whereas flat nappies dry very quickly. 
  • AIO's are the most similar to disposables in that there is only 1 thing to put on though, so are very easy to use.
  • Shaped nappies, whether AIO's or the two-part systems are usually fastened with either Velcro or press studs, so no snappis/ nippas or pins are needed.
  • Velcro is more adjustable than press studs, enabling you to get a perfect fit. Press studs allow you to get a good fit if your child's body and leg shapes are different (e.g. fat tummy with skinny legs, or flatter tummy with very chubby legs) while in these situations Velcro may allow leaking from around the legs.
  • Press studs are more difficult for little fingers to undo than Velcro, but are more easily damaged by heat (tumble-drying or ironing).
  • Press stud fastening nappies can be used to simulate pull-up pants by just doing up the bottom poppers, making it easier to pull up or down while potty training.
  • Flat nappies are the cheapest, but require time to fold.

Nappies and wraps come in different sizes. Birth-to-potty systems only have one size. With these nappies, you fold the nappy differently at different weights or ages to achieve the perfect fit. My experience is that it can be difficult to get a good fit on babies under 6 months with these systems.

AIO's and shaped two-part systems usually have 2 or 3 sizes. The smallest size is approximately birth - 6 months (approximately 2-7 kg; 5-15lbs). The larger size often takes a child to potty training (approximately 6 months onwards). Flat nappies and pre-folds come in one size that you fold differently to get a good fit on smaller or larger babies.

Wraps can be made from PVC, PUL (polyurethane laminate), wool flannel or fleece. PVC is no longer recommended as it is not a breathable fabric, which can increase the risk of your baby getting nappy rash. PVC also hardens and cracks with age. Wool flannel and fleece are incredibly breathable, but are not completely water-proof. Wool flannel wraps do not need to be washed, as the wool naturally repels urine. They need to be aired between uses, with an occasional wash in cool water with lanolin to restore the wool's natural repelling properties. Because wool flannel and fleece are not fully water-proof, they are not suitable for long car journeys when the pressure of sitting on a small area of the wrap may cause it to leak. PUL wraps are breathable, soft and fully waterproof (provided they are not exposed to high heat nor experience prolonged exposure to water).

 
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